With all the introductions of new HDTV video projectors this summer, there's now word of an advance in an unlikely place: the projection viewing screen.
Since it's invention, video projection-high-definition and otherwise-has been crippled by ambient light. Reflected lights from windows or lamps can easily degrade picture quality. That's why front-projection video viewing usually takes place in a darkened room.
Now Planar, a maker of professional displays, has turned that old concept on its head with Xscreen, a new reflection-free screen technology that claims to display front-projected images well in brightly illuminated rooms. Planar says Xscreen rejects ambient light, delivering bright, high-contrast images regardless of lighting conditions.
XScreen, a patented technology, represents a huge advance, allowing big-screen projection to be successfully displayed in spaces with normal lighting for the first time. From HD screening rooms to in-store presentations, front projectors would be far more flexible in common environments.
The secret, says Planar, is a four-mm layer of hardened glass beneath the screen that creates a flat screen surface. The result is twice the brightness and contrast of traditional projection screens.
Planar said Xscreens are optimized for HD projection, including 720p and 1080i resolutions, but also provide improved picture quality with lower-resolution projectors. They are available in 60, 70, 80 and 100-inch diagonal sizes.
The Xscreen Plus version has a built-in video hub in the screen frame that allows a wide range of video sources to be connected and switched. A single cable delivers all the signals back and forth to a remotely located video projector. The entire system can be controlled by remote control.
XScreen Plus works with any projector technology-including DLP and LCD-that has DVI or VGA/VESA connectors.
For more information, visit http://www.planar.com.